Panaji: Goa’s draft artificial intelligence (AI) policy, which was released on Monday for public review, hopes to create 50,000 certified AI professionals by 2030 and attract five global AI companies in the state by 2028.The policy, which aims to make AI a compulsory school subject from Class VI, signals govt’s deliberate attempt to pursue an AI action plan within six months of the Goa AI policy’s formal notification. Citizens and stakeholders can share their suggestions and feedback within the next 15 days.The draft policy is structured around six pillars, and lessons on AI will be introduced from Class VI in line with the national curriculum framework. Govt also plans to establish AI laboratories in 50 govt schools, building on the existing Atal Tinkering Labs.The IT department also plans to set up two dedicated data and AI labs in ITIs and polytechnics under the IndiaAI FutureSkills programme, in collaboration with the directorate of skill development and entrepreneurship. At least 500 educators will be trained in AI fundamentals through IIT Goa, with plans to offer classes in Konkani, Marathi and Hindi.At the higher education level, the policy recommends integrating AI and machine learning into all undergraduate science and technology programmes from 2027 to 2028. Goa state higher education council will issue a formal directive to ensure compliance across deemed universities, autonomous colleges and affiliated institutions, with annual compliance reporting mandated to DITEC, the policy document said.The policy aims to select 50 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate students for the IndiaAI FutureSkills programme over three years. Ten PhD fellowships will be offered annually through IIT Goa and NIT Goa, funded by the Goa AI Scholarship for meritorious students.All govt officers will be required to complete the YUVA AI for All certification on the iGoT Karmayogi platform. The AI-certified professionals target will include at least 20% women and youth certified by NASSCOM, NIELIT and leading EdTech platforms.
